Netflix’s show Narcos may be an original idea; however, copyright law does not protect ideas alone. The show allegedly misappropriated some of Virginia Vallejo’s original expression in a scene during the first season. Vallejo is known for her work documenting Pablo Escobar’s life in a memoir entitled, Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar.

Virginia Vallejo is most notably a Columbia author, journalist, anchorwoman, and political asylee among other things. She aided the Department of Justice in several high-profile cases involving Columbian politicians and their entanglement with leading cocaine cartels. Additionally, Vallejo fell in love with Pablo Escobar. Vallejo brought suit against Netflix and Gaumont Television; however, most of her claims were thrown out this past Friday by Judge K. Michael Moore. Only one claim remains: The remaining scene in question is from Season One, Episode Three where Escobar and his lover have an intimate encounter involving a revolver.

While copyright law does not protect original ideas alone, copyright law does protect original expressions fixed in a tangible medium. The Netflix show Narcos is an entertaining and thrilling experience that most people will enjoy. Without having read Vallejo’s memoir, it is hard to comment on the alleged infringement; however, originality is something that is less and less common in this day and age. I would not be surprised if Netflix lifted some of their scenes from Vallejo. If you have not yet seen Narcos, I highly recommend giving the show a chance. If you have read the book, please provide your insight below. Regardless, stay tuned for further developments in this story and please comment below your thoughts, opinions, observations, or any combination of the three.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter and virginavallejo.com